ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs
MoHUA to organise a national level ‘India Water Pitch-Pilot-Scale Start-up Conclave’ on 12 March, 2022
Shri Hardeep S. Puri to launch ‘India Water Pitch-Pilot-Scale Start-up Challenge’ during the conclave
Curtain Raiser
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs is organising a national level ‘India Water Pitch-Pilot-Scale Start-up Conclave’ on 12 March, 2022 at Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, with an aim to start the communication with Start-ups in water sector. The Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Hardeep S. Puri will launch ‘India Water Pitch-Pilot-Scale Start-up Challenge’ during the conclave and deliver the keynote address. The Ministry will select 100 start-ups through this challenge, which will be provided Rs.20 lakhs as funding support.
The Prime Minister has launched the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation 2.0  on 01 October, 2021 with the aim of making Indian cities ‘Aatma Nirbhar’ and ‘Water Secure’. The Mission envisages to provide functional water tap connections to all urban households, providing universal household coverage of sewerage/septage services in 500 AMRUT cities, undertaking rejuvenation of water bodies, recycle/ reuse of treated used water, rainwater harvesting and provision of green spaces thereby improving ease of living.
Technology sub-mission is a key component of AMRUT 2.0 which focuses on providing financial anchor as well as mentoring to start-ups to “Pitch, Pilot-and scale” solutions to address water problems in Indian cities. The new and emerging technologies resulting from the thriving start-up ecosystem in India are providing breakthrough solutions for urban water problems which will be harnessed for achieving the objectives of the Mission.
More than 50 Start-ups will pitch/exhibit innovative solutions for urban water problems. User, industry, sector experts and investors will also attend the conclave. This conclave is expected to be a starting point for interaction between user such as States/ cities/ parastatal agencies, start-ups, sector experts and industry. User will also get first-hand experience of innovative solutions.
Shri Manoj Joshi, Secretary, MoHUA, Smt. D. Thara, Mission Director and Additional Secretary AMRUT, MoHUA and other senior officials from MoHUA will participate in the Conclave.
Two Panel Discussions are also planned in the Conclave. In the first Panel Discussion on ‘Leveraging Start-up Ecosystem to solve urban challenges’ speakers from Quantela, Paytm, Delhivery, Urban Company, Zoho, Rainmatter Foundation will share their views. In the second Panel Discussion on ‘Industry Platforms for scaling up Start-ups’ speakers form CISCO and Microsoft will participate.
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
First International SME Convention concludes Digital Trade Desk to be set-up by Ministry of MSME
Dr. Arun Kumar Panda, Secretary MSME presenting “friend of India” plaque to delegate from Malawi
The first International SME Convention organised by Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises concluded in New Delhi on 24th April. 160 SMEs from 39 countries participated in the three day event where issues of international best practices on SME development and cooperation, global business opportunities for SMEs, problems faced by women entrepreneurs were discussed. Poland, with 15 SMEs, had the largest delegation, followed by Uzbekistan with 8 SMEs and Ghana with seven. Four hundred SMEs from India also participated.
23 agreements were signed between SMEs of India and SMEs of UK, Russia, Uzbekistan, Poland, Bhutan, Austria, Czech Republic, Cameroon and Sri Lanka. These agreements are in 12 sectors: food processing, agriculture, textiles, defence, ammunition, waste management, dairy products, coal, jewellery, health care and education. Four foreign SMEs have also signed expression of interest for entering into joint ventures with Government of India.
In his address during the Valedictory function the Secretary M/o MSME Dr. Arun Kumar Panda said that the ministry has planned to set up a Digital Trade Desk aimed at furthering more collaborations between SMEs of India and other countries and for exchange of data. He also said that another mega international event is being planned in a few months. He also said that going by the success of the Convention it is planned to make it an annual feature with 79 countries already showing interest to participate in the next Convention.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
CoWIN digital Portal Reconfigured to Reflect Change in Dose Interval of Covishield Vaccine to 12-16 weeks
Already Booked Online appointments for 2nd Covishield Dose will remain Valid; NOT being cancelled by COWIN
Beneficiaries advised to reschedule appointment for 2nd dose of Covishield in alignment with Enhanced Duration between Two Doses
The COVID Working Group chaired by Dr N K Arora had recommended extension of the gap between the first and second doses of COVISHIELD vaccine to 12-16 weeks. This has been accepted by Government of India on 13th May 2021.
Government of India has communicated this change to States and UTs. The CoWIN digital portal has also been reconfigured to reflect this extension of interval for two doses of Covishield to 12-16 weeks.
However, there have been reports in s a section of the media suggesting that people who had pre-booked their appointment for the second dose in less than 84 days on CoWIN are being turned back from vaccination centres without getting the second dose of Covishield.
It is clarified that the requisite changes have now been done in the CoWIN digital portal. As a result, further online or on-site appointments will not be possible if the period after 1st dose date for a beneficiary is less than 84 days.
Additionally, already booked online appointments for 2nd dose of Covishield will remain valid and are not being cancelled by COWIN. Further, the beneficiaries are advised to reschedule their appointments for a later date beyond the 84th day from the date of 1st dose vaccination.
The Union Government has reiterated to the States and UTs that the online appointments booked for 2nd dose of COVISHELD prior to this change of the interval between the two doses of Covishield, must be honoured.
The Union Health Ministry has advised the Sates/UTs that the field staff may be instructed that, if such beneficiaries do come for vaccination, the second Covishield dose must be administered and they must not be turned away. They have also been advised to undertake awareness activities to inform the beneficiaries about this change.
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Sports Minister launches Central Athlete Injury Management System for training of athletes for Olympics 2024 and beyond
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Kiren Rijiju launched the Central Athlete Injury Management System , a first-of-its-kind initiative by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports for streamlining the sports medicine and rehabilitation support offered to the athletes. The core committee of CAIMS includes eminent top of the line experts such as Dr. SKS Marya, Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala, Dr. BV Srinivas and Shrikant Iyengar.
CAIMS aims to provide the best of sports injury management support nearest to the athlete’s geographical location. CAIMS will help to standardize appropriate injury treatment protocol for athletes across the country. It will start with support for athletes who are a part of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme  development group expected to participate in 2024 and beyond.
Shri Rijiju hailed the move to start CAIMS. “It was long desired by everyone to have a Centralised Athlete Injury Management system in our country. I have seen sometimes that even for common injuries, treatment is not done in time which has led to affecting the career of the athlete. Today is a very humble beginning but this will lead to a system where we will have a very professional way of management in the entire handling of the injury of the athlete.”
Speaking about the importance of the initiative, Secretary  Shri Ravi Mital said “Sports has become very competitive and when our athletes compete to their maximum to win medals they sometimes get injured. It is imperative to treat these injuries at a right time and in the right way to ensure that our athletes are in the best of health and form."
CAIMS is expected to revolutionise the way athlete injuries are managed and treated. It will have the following four structures: Athlete Wellness Cell, On-Field Sports Medicine Experts, National Resource Referral Teams and a Central Core Team.
Dr. SKS Marya, Chairman of the Central Core Team, hailed CAIMS and said that it will go a long way towards overcoming the geographical barriers in treating athlete injuries. “India is a huge country and our aim is to reduce the geographical and administrative barriers in the management of injuries of athletes.”
Indian Olympic Association President Narinder Dhruv Batra said, “This is a welcome initiative by the Ministry to develop an injury surveillance system in the form of an Athlete Wellness Cell for the developmental group of TOPS. The experienced and multidisciplinary team of sports medicine doctors, physiotherapists, strength and conditioning experts under CAIMS will definitely assist in the guided rehabilitation to achieve timely restoration of optimal form and function,” he said.
The event was also attended by Director-General SAI Shri Sandip Pradhan, Secretary-General Indian Olympic Association Rajeev Mehta and many other medical experts.
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Meeting between MoS  Sushri Shobha Karandlaje and Deputy PM and Minister for Agriculture & Food Industries of Moldova, Mr Vladimir Bolea held
The two ministers agree to initiate an MoU for cooperation in Agriculture
A meeting between Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Sushri Shobha Karandlaje and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture & Food Industries of Moldova, Mr Vladimir Bolea was held today at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi.
Welcoming the Moldovan Deputy PM and his delegation, Sushri Shobha Karandlaje mentioned about the 31 years of close and friendly diplomatic relations between India and Moldova. She expressed her happiness on opening of Moldovan Resident Mission in New Delhi. The Indian Minister also mentioned about the declaration of the year 2023 as International Years of Millets  by the United Nations on the proposal from Govt. of India and highlighted the benefits of millets for health as well as the environment.
Both Ministers emphasized on the potential for increasing bilateral trade in agricultural commodities and for strengthening of bilateral agricultural cooperation through exchange of knowledge and technology.
Mr Vladimir Bolea congratulated India on becoming the 5th largest economy and also for India’s G20 Presidency. He proposed signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation between the two countries in the field of Agriculture which would provide an institutional mechanism for cooperation between the two countries.
Mr Bolea also expressed Moldova's interest in exporting vegetable oils to India and importing fertilizers and pesticides from India. He expressed Moldova’s support to India for its membership of UN Security Council in 2027 and informed that Moldova is a candidate to become an EU member and follows the EU standards and therefore their products are safe to consume. He highlighted the Moldovan culture of producing wine and apples as a way of life and expressed their interest in exporting these products to India.
MoS agreed to the proposal of signing of an MoU and proposed that India will soon share a draft MoU with them. She also requested the Moldovan side to send proposal for cooperation in exchange of technology. The Moldovan Minister invited Sushri Shobha Karandlaje to visit Moldova.
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
Bharat Petroleum collaborates with Bhabha Atomic Research Centre for Green Hydrogen production
Company’s another step towards “Atmanirbhar Bharat”
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited , a ‘Maharatna’ and a Fortune Global 500 Company has collaborated with Bhabha Atomic Research Centre  to scale-up Alkaline Electrolyser technology for Green Hydrogen production. Presently, Electrolyser Plants are imported. This is a first of its kind initiative to support the country's commitment to achieve renewable energy targets and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Refineries use large quantities of Hydrogen for de-sulfurization to make petrol, diesel and other chemicals. Currently, Hydrogen is made at the Refinery via. Steam Reforming of Natural gas, but this results in high CO2 emission. Therefore, Refiners are setting up large scale electrolysers to produce Green Hydrogen from water and thereby decarbonize Hydrogen production.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Arun Kumar Singh, C&MD – Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. said, “BPCL is fully committed towards environment protection and ensuring a greener planet. We have been extensively leveraging technology in all our activities. Today, through collaboration with BARC, we intend to scale up Indigenous Alkaline Electrolyser Technology and look forward to commercializing it for large use especially in Refineries. This will be another step towards “Atmanirbhar Bharat” in our journey for achieving Net Zero Emissions by 2040.”
Bharat Petroleum has plans to expand its portfolio of renewable energy with solar, wind and biofuels thereby reaffirming its commitment towards sustainability and reduction of carbon footprint. Furthermore, the Company intends to meet power requirement for new projects in its Refineries, primarily from renewable sources.
Ministry of Home Affairs
Cabinet approves the Constitution  Amendment Order, 2019
Promotion Benefits for Scheduled Castes & Scheduled Tribes in services in J&K
10% Reservation for economically weaker sections in educational institutions & public employment in J&K
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approvedthe proposal of Jammu &Kashmir Government regarding amendment to the Constitution  0rder, 1954 by way of the Constitution  Amendment Order, 2019. It will serve the purpose of application of relevant provisions of the Constitution of India, as amended through the Constitution  Act, 1995 and Constitution  Act, 2019 for Jammu and Kashmir, by issuing the Constitution  Amendment Order, 2019 by the President under clause  of Article370.
Impact:
Once notified, this will pave the way for giving benefit of promotion in service tothe Scheduled Castes, the Schedule Tribes and also extend the reservation ofup to 10% for "economically weaker sections" in educational institutions and public employment in addition to the existing reservation in Jammu and Kashmir.
Background : Equity & Inclusiveness
- 10% reservation for economically weaker sections made applicable in J&K also. This would pave the way for reserving State Government jobs to the youth of J&K who are from economically weaker sections belonging to any religion or caste. It may be recalled that 10% reservation to economically weaker sections was introduced in rest of the country through the 103rd Constitution Amendment in January 2019. This will be in addition to such reservation available in Govt. of India jobs also.
- Benefit of promotion to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, which include Gujjars and Bakarwals amongst others, has also been made applicable to the State of J&K. After a long wait of 24 years, the 77th Constitution Amendment of 1995 has now been applied to the State of J&K.
- People living near the International Border have been brought at par with those living near the Line of Control for reservation in State Government jobs by amending the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act, 2004 through an Ordinance. Earlier, the provision of 3% reservation was available only for youth living within 6 kms. Of LoC in J&K. Now, this provision will be applicable for people living near the international border also. This has been a long-pending demand of the population living near the international border, as they have been facing the brunt of cross border firing in J&K.
Constitution  Act, 1995 was enacted thereby inserting clause  after clause 4 of Article 16 of Constitution of India. Clause  provides for giving benefit of promotion in service to the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes. The Constitution  Act, 2019 has been applied in the country except Jammu and Kashmir and with extension of Act to Jammu and Kashmir economically weaker sections of State would also avail the benefit of reservation.
Ministry of Education
Scholarship and fellowships for students
Ministry of Education is implementing various scholarship and fellowship schemes for providing financial assistance to the students to peruse their education in India. Ministry of Education has introduced vocational degree and diploma programmes/ courses to offer degree of bachelor of vocation and diploma of vocation in vocational education in different sectors namely Software Development, Electronics Manufacturing Services, Graphics and Multimedia, Food Processing, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, Banking, Financial Services & Insurance, Production Technology, Industrial Tool Manufacturing, Medical Image Technology, Automotive Manufacturing Technology, Automobile Servicing, etc. In addition, the All-India Council of Technical Education  is implementing the Kaushal Augmentation and Restructuring Mission  for school dropouts after class 10th for skill enhancement of socially/ financially deprived community of surrounding area through existing infrastructures of AICTE approved institutions. The University Grants Commission  facilitates higher education institutions to provide skill-based education under National Skills Qualifications Framework . These institutions are offered full-time, credit-based programmes at the level of Certificate, Diploma, Advanced Diploma, B.Voc, P.G. Diploma, M.Voc and Research with multiple entry and exit options. Further, UGC has issued Guidelines for Higher Education Institutions to offer Internship / Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programme in the year 2020. As per these Guidelines, any UG degree programme in all disciplines is eligible to embed apprenticeship/internship into the degree programme. The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship is also implementing ‘The Craftsmen Training Scheme’ under which vocational training is offering on 149 different trades. The degree, diploma and training courses are for all categories of students in the country including marginalized students.
The information was given by the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Subhas Sarkar in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
President's Secretariat
CHANGE OF GUARD CEREMONY NOT TO BE HELD ON FEBRUARY 25
The Change of Guard Ceremony will not take place this Saturday  due to the Guard of Honour for the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany scheduled at 1000 hrs at Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
All 645 evacuees from Wuhan test NEGATIVE for nCoV
No new case for nCoV has been reported
As on 6th February, 138750 passengers from 1265 flights have been screened for Novel Coronavirus illness. Till now, no new case has been detected.
All 645 evacuees from Wuhan, China have tested negative for Novel Coronavirus. In addition, 510 samples have been tested by ICMR network laboratories of which all have tested negative except for 3 already reported positive. The 3 positive cases are clinically stable.
Community surveillance and contact tracing is ongoing by IDSP for 6558 persons across 32 States/UTs.
Fourth Joint Monitoring Group  meeting was held on 6th February, 2020 under Directorate General of Health Services  to discuss various technical issues including review period of follow up required for asymptomatic travellers from China.
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare in coordination with central Ministries and all States/UTs is taking adequate measures for management of Novel Coronavirus in India. In case of fever, cough and symptoms of Pneumonia, seek medical attention immediately. For any technical query on 2019-nCOV call the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare Helpline at +91-11-23978046 or email at ncov2019[at]gmail[dot]com.
Cabinet
Cabinet approves Headquarters  Agreement between India and the International Solar Alliance
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its ex-post facto approval for entering into Headquarters  Agreement between India and the International Solar Alliance  and authorizing the Ministry of External Affairs for signing the Headquarter Agreement. The Agreement was signed on 26th March, 2018.
The Headquarters Agreement will institutionalize the functional arrangements between India and ISA. It will help in smooth transition of ISA as international inter-governmental organization. Creation of ISA will lead to accelerated solar technology development and deployment in ISA member countries including India.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Update on COVID-19 Vaccine Availability in States/UTs
More than 158 Crore vaccine doses provided to States/UTs
More than 14.13 Crore balance and unutilized vaccine doses still available with States/UTs
The Union Government is committed to accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country. The nationwide COVID 19 vaccination started on 16th January 2021. The new phase of universalization of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from 21st June 2021. The vaccination drive has been ramped up through availability of more vaccines, advance visibility of vaccine availability to States and UTs for enabling better planning by them, and streamlining the vaccine supply chain.
As part of the nationwide vaccination drive, Government of India has been supporting the States and UTs by providing them COVID Vaccines free of cost. In the new phase of the universalization of the COVID19 vaccination drive, the Union Government will procure and supply  75% of the vaccines being produced by the vaccine manufacturers in the country to States and UTs.
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VACCINE DOSES
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SUPPLIED
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1,58,01,46,015
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BALANCE AVAILABLE
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14,13,44,641
More than 158 crore  vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far through Govt. of India  and through direct state procurement category.
More than 14.13 Cr  balance and unutilized COVID Vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Singh Thakur extends a warm welcome to all for IFFI 53
"Over the years, IFFI has captured emerging contemporary trends of cinema from an international perspective"
#IFFIWood, November 18, 2022
The Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Singh Thakur has extended a warm welcome to all for the 53rd edition of the International Film Festival of India , being held in Goa from November 20-28 this year.
In a written message, the Union Minister has said, IFFI is for celebrating the expansive impact of cinema on our histories, cultures and everybody’s lives.
He has further said that, since 1952, IFFI has provided Indian film industries with a significant multifarious platform to showcase their diverse film languages on a global front. "As one of the world’s leading producers of films, India has positioned itself as a creative industrial powerhouse".
Over the years, IFFI has captured the emerging contemporary trends of cinema from an international perspective and encourages the participation of young filmmakers and creative geniuses alike, says the Union Minister. About IFFI 2022, he says, this year too, audiences and filmmakers will be able to experience an intricate tapestry of culture, languages and the heritage of different nations woven by the prism of cinema. "I am certain that the 53rd edition of IFFI will be an exhilarating experience for all".